Osimhen, Hakimi, Salah headline star-studded AFCON 2025 Round of 16
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 shifts into knockout mode this weekend, and the spotlight now shines on a galaxy of stars led by Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi, and Mohamed Salah as the tournament reaches the Round of 16 in Morocco.
After 36 group-stage matches across six groups, the field has been cut from 24 to 16 nations. Over the next four days, eight high-stakes fixtures will decide who advances to the quarter-finals and moves closer to the tournament’s record $10 million (€8.5m) prize.
Headline Acts Take Centre Stage
Fresh from being crowned African Player of the Year 2025, Achraf Hakimi will lead host nation Morocco against Tanzania. The Paris Saint-Germain defender has been pivotal at both ends of the pitch and remains central to Morocco’s title ambitions.
Mohamed Salah, runner-up for the African award, captains Egypt into their clash with Benin, while Victor Osimhen spearheads Nigeria’s attack against Mozambique.
Despite scoring just once in the group stage, Osimhen remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition. His aerial dominance saw him threaten hat-tricks against both Tanzania and Tunisia, and his influence goes well beyond the scoresheet.
Round of 16 Match-ups in Focus
Senegal vs Sudan
Reigning champions Senegal lived up to expectations by topping Group D, with Sadio Mané providing experience and teenage PSG talent Ibrahim Mbaye offering youthful spark off the bench.
Sudan’s journey to the knockout stage has been remarkable. Representing a nation affected by civil conflict, they progressed without scoring a goal, relying instead on defensive resilience and an own goal victory over Equatorial Guinea.
Mali vs Tunisia
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet admitted concerns after three draws in Group A, even though his side earned credit for holding Morocco.
Tunisia struggled badly against Nigeria before a late rally made the scoreline respectable. Defensive lapses remain a concern as they face a disciplined Malian side.
Morocco vs Tanzania
On paper, this is one of the most uneven ties. Morocco sit over 100 places above Tanzania in the world rankings and boast attacking weapons like Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, both joint top scorers with three goals.
Related Article: Tanzania end 45-year wait for AFCON Knockout spot after holding Tunisia
Tanzania, however, arrive with confidence after ending a 45-year wait to reach the knockout stage, qualifying via two draws.
South Africa vs Cameroon
A meeting steeped in history. South Africa stunned Cameroon 3-0 on their AFCON debut 30 years ago, but this rematch promises to be far tighter.
South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster for goals, while Cameroon’s 19-year-old Christian Kofane announced himself with a spectacular winner against Mozambique.
Egypt vs Benin
Salah has rediscovered his scoring touch on Moroccan soil, delivering decisive goals against Zimbabwe and South Africa to carry Egypt to the top of Group B.
Benin celebrated their first AFCON victory in 25 years during the group stage. Led by veteran striker Steve Mounié, they are organised and spirited, though goals remain a concern.
Nigeria vs Mozambique
Nigeria enter the tie as favourites, with Osimhen and former African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman leading a dynamic attack.
Related Article: Nigeria edge Tunisia 3–2 in AFCON thriller to book last-16 spot
Mozambique will hope to cause an upset, with Geny Catamo offering pace and directness. Their last AFCON meeting with Nigeria ended in a 3-0 defeat, but this contest is expected to be far more competitive.
Algeria vs DR Congo
Arguably the tie of the round, this clash pits two former champions against each other. Algeria, inspired by captain Riyad Mahrez, were one of only two teams to win all three group matches. The fixture also stands out as the only Round of 16 tie featuring two European coaches, Vladimir Petkovic and Sébastien Desabre.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
The only all-West African encounter of the round sees defending champions Ivory Coast face neighbours Burkina Faso.
Related Article: Amad Diallo fires Ivory Coast to winning start in AFCON 2025 title defence
Amad Diallo, the only player to win two man-of-the-match awards in the group stage, will test a Burkinabè defence marshalled by Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
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